The message below was sent by Eleanor JB Daugherty, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students, to students on the Storrs campus on October 8, 2021
Hi Huskies,
I like the habit of closing out the week with you (hopefully, you don’t mind). In the past, it was necessary for us to connect because of COVID and all of its adventures. Now, I just enjoy the opportunity to stay connected.
We just wrapped up suicide prevention week. The Suicide Prevention Week Walk was a striking moment that reminds us all that we are not alone. In fact, we are surrounded by faculty, staff, and friends who care deeply. Let us know if you need help.
Moving Mountains:
The Rally for a Peaceful Planet on Wednesday was a stunning representation of the power of students to make the world a better place. UConn is one of those places that always works to be better. I am thankful for the words of our leaders in the student body and the administration.
This is a good opportunity to respond to the call for transparency by reminding all of you that you are encouraged to apply to participate in the Bias Action Group. This group will meet every semester to review our bias data, identify trends and concerns, and create programming and messaging that address the real issues presented in our own community.
If you are interested in joining this group, please email your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of your involvement and interest in participating on the Bias Action Group to dos@uconn.edu. Please write “Bias Action Group” in the subject line. Applications should be received no later than Oct. 28, 2021 at 5 p.m.
Staying Healthy:
Flu vaccines are available on the Storrs campus every Thursday from October 14 to November 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Shippee Pequot Room. All students are encouraged to speak with their medical providers on the importance of receiving the flu vaccine.
Making Friends
As our community continues to address how to be welcoming to Afghan refugees, I have to say I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to meet UConn’s own Kathy Libal. Dr. Libal is the director of the Human Rights Institute. Kathy and Zahra Ali, who is the Director of Global Partnerships & Outreach, are working in conjunction with IRIS, community leaders, students, and other countless colleagues to ensure refuges in our region are offered:
- Access to English-language training for refugee families through our UConn American English Language Institute (UCAELI) program (online in COVID context).
- Language support for Dari and/or Pashto speakers through volunteer translators.
- Donations to support quality of life and transition to living in the U.S.
More to come, but I imagine there will be additional opportunities for students to support this important work.
Got Art?
President Agwunobi (I know, I know, he likes to be called Andy) and I stopped by the Rainbow Center earlier this week before a meeting. While we were there, the amazing Ariel shared that the Rainbow Center is bringing back their annual Art Gala on the 20th of this month! Submissions are welcome until the 11th of October. The link to the form is on the Art Gala webpage.
Have a great weekend, UConn.
Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
For more information, contact: Janice Canniff at janice.canniff@uconn.edu